Bachmann 32-390K

Tooling

In 2006, Bachmann Branchline unveiled a major upgrade to its British Rail Class 37 tooling in OO gauge (1:76 scale). This retooling replaced the 2003 version and introduced significant improvements in accuracy, detailing, and technology. The Class 37, an English Electric Type 3 diesel locomotive, remained a favourite among enthusiasts, and Bachmann’s new tooling aimed to set a benchmark for modern ready-to-run diesel models.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with diecast metal chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Highly detailed bodyshell with factory-fitted separate parts including handrails, lamp irons, jumper cables, etched fan grilles, radio aerials, and bufferbeam detail packs. Sprung metal buffers were standard.
• Cab & Interior: Fully detailed and painted cab interiors with crew figures and legible placards.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers.
• Variants: Tooling covered multiple subclasses including Class 37/0 (split and centre headcode), 37/4, and 37/5.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole motor with twin flywheels for smooth, powerful performance.
• Drive: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup from all wheels.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438mm).
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting on DCC. Analogue operation supports basic directional lighting.
• Weighting: Integrated diecast chassis for excellent adhesion and haulage.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket.
• Provision for a 20x40mm speaker for sound installation.
• Factory sound-fitted versions available using Zimo decoders, with advanced sound projects and lighting control.

Liveries Produced

The 2006 tooling was released in a wide range of authentic liveries across multiple eras, including:

• BR Green with Late Crest (1957–1972)
• BR Blue (1965–1990)
• BR Large Logo Blue (1978–1994)
• Regional Railways (1986–2000)
• Railfreight Triple Grey (Sectorisation era)
• Civil Engineers “Dutch”
• Transrail
• EWS Maroon & Gold
• Direct Rail Services (DRS)
• Network Rail Yellow

Reviews & Commentary

The 2006 upgrade was widely acclaimed for its improved fidelity and technical specification. Reviewers praised the accurate body shape, fine etched details, and robust mechanism. The addition of cab lighting and a 21-pin DCC socket was considered a major step forward. Performance was described as smooth and powerful, with excellent slow-speed control. Some enthusiasts noted that while the model was highly detailed, the price point was higher than previous releases, sparking debate when compared to emerging competitors.

Media & Social Media

Model railway forums and YouTube reviews highlighted the model’s exceptional finish, lighting features, and sound options. The introduction of sound-fitted and deluxe variants with motorised fans and tinted glazing generated significant interest among collectors and operators. Social media commentary often compared the Bachmann model favourably against rivals, citing its reliability and detailing as standout features.

Interesting Notes

• Sound-fitted deluxe versions included motorised radiator fans and tinted windscreen glazing for added realism.
• The tooling remained in production for many years and formed the basis for later enhancements and special editions.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 37 is one of Britain's most successful diesel locomotive designs, with 309 locomotives built 1960-1965 by English Electric. Powered by the proven 12CSVT diesel engine producing 1,750 bhp, these Co-Co diesels served for 65 years on freight, passenger, and mixed-traffic duties across the entire BR network. Known as "Tractors" for their distinctive exhaust note, Class 37s worked everything from East Anglian expresses to West Highland Line services, Welsh coal trains, and nuclear flask operations. Extensive 1980s refurbishment created specialist subclasses including 37/4 ETH passenger variants, 37/5 freight, 37/7 heavy freight, and 37/6 Nightstar variants. Approximately 60 remain in mainline service with 30 preserved. Comprehensive OO gauge models available from Bachmann, Accurascale, and Hornby; N gauge from Graham Farish; O gauge from Heljan across extensive livery ranges spanning BR green through privatisation eras.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

West Coast Railways is Britain's premier heritage railway operator and charter train company, operating from the historic Carnforth MPD in Lancashire since 1998. The company runs the world-famous Jacobite steam train through the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films.

As a licensed train operating company and spot-hire operator, West Coast Railways provides steam and diesel locomotives, heritage carriages, and crews for charter services across the UK's most scenic routes. Their extensive fleet includes preserved Black Five locomotives, Royal Scot and Jubilee classes, plus heritage diesel traction including Class 37 and Class 57 machines.

The company also operates popular services including the Scarborough Spa Express and Dalesman tours over the spectacular Settle and Carlisle line. Based at the former LMS depot featured in the 1945 film Brief Encounter, West Coast Railways maintains comprehensive workshop facilities for steam locomotive restoration and heritage carriage maintenance.

Despite facing modern regulatory challenges, the company continues to provide authentic railway heritage experiences using preserved locomotives and period rolling stock, attracting both railway enthusiasts and international tourists to Britain's steam railway legacy.

West Coast Railways Standard Maroon Livery represents the company's primary locomotive scheme applied to their diverse diesel fleet since 1998. This distinctive livery features a maroon base colour with grey roof sections and the characteristic West Coast Railways gold logo prominently displayed on the locomotive bodysides.

The scheme has been applied across multiple locomotive classes including Class 31, Class 37, Class 47, and Class 57 machines, creating visual consistency throughout the WCR fleet. Notable examples include Class 37 locomotives 37516 Loch Laidon, 37518 Fort William/An Gearasdan, 37669, 37676 Loch Rannoch, 37685 Loch Arkaig, and 37706, plus Class 47 locomotives such as 47854, and Class 57 examples including 57313.

The livery maintains the West Coast Railways corporate identity established to complement their maroon coaching stock, creating cohesive train formations for charter services. The scheme uses a simplified two-tone approach with clean lines and minimal complications, ensuring easy maintenance whilst providing professional appearance standards required for mainline operations.

Class 31/1 locomotive 31190 Gryphon also carried this standard maroon scheme, demonstrating WCR's consistent application across their entire diesel fleet regardless of locomotive class or operational role.

For railway modellers, the Standard WCR Maroon scheme offers an authentic contemporary heritage railway livery suitable for charter train operations from the late 1990s onwards. Multiple manufacturers produce accurate representations in various scales, making this an accessible prototype for modern railway modelling scenarios featuring preserved steam locomotives, heritage diesel traction, and period coaching stock.